The current exceptional circumstances are presenting new challenges for the Brussels-Capital Region. The municipal authorities have taken the initiative themselves and invested in smart solutions to meet the specific needs of their citizens.
Since lockdown, the inhabitants of Ixelles have been able to contribute to their own web-TV. Responding to the need for citizens to stay in touch even during this period of isolation, the municipality set up a platform that allows Ixelles residents to share recipes, activities to do with their children and artistic performances. The Ixelles web-TV contains various sections and can be accessed via the website of the municipality of Ixelles.
Lockdown has been difficult not only for citizens, but also for local businesses. Various municipalities have set an example by setting up smart initiatives to support the local economy. Woluwe-Saint-Pierre has joined the #MaZone project, which allows small businesses to sell their products online. Ixelles, Saint Gilles and Uccle were already part of the project, which arose from a partnership between
Groupe One and
Urbike. The different participants share resources, including delivery, via soft mobility. It's a win-win: support for local commerce, and a more sustainable solution for the city.
Like local administrations, the BRIC has also shown its commitment through a development project in collaboration with citizens. During the "Brussels Hacks the Crisis" hackathon, Brussels residents were invited to share their innovative digital ideas, which were then submitted to a jury of experts. The citizens chose the two final projects based on the jury's selection. Two teams of students have begun to develop these applications as part of the Open Summer of Code. Interested in discovering the selected projects? Click
here.
